How To Block Noise From Neighbors By Blocking Sound

Cease the discord resulting from the noise of next-door neighbors by ascertaining methods to block noise from neighbors. Unearth the cost-effective and expeditious methods of resolving the difficulty and more lasting solutions

Moving to a new residence is the ideal prospect for a fresh start. You will experience an altered atmosphere, explore a new area, and witness a whole new look to your walls. The situation is drastically different from what you have been familiar with, but you are eager to embrace the challenge.

The ideal situation is to have respectful and conscientious neighbors, allowing both parties to enjoy a peaceful living environment. However, this is not always the case.

It is not uncommon to find yourself living with either extremely noisy or quiet neighbors, who may own a canine that barks loudly.

Once the initial period has lapsed, you may find yourself losing patience. The incessant commotion and lack of proper rest can lead to an increase in your headaches until one day you reach your breaking point.

This article will address the query of what comes after, providing insight into the matter.

You should talk to your noisy next-door neighbors

Many individuals choose pricier remedies without initially considering this basic, speedy solution. It is worth noting that, in some cases, your neighbors may be unaware of the excessive noise they are producing.

Should you express your dissatisfaction, it is presumed that they will reduce the volume of either the music or their voices.

It is important to be cordial when handling this situation. Inviting them over or visiting them could be an effective way of initiating friendly contact. This could potentially lead to a positive relationship with your neighbor.

It is of utmost importance to cultivate positive connections with the people in your vicinity, for in times of peril, they can be the first to mobilize in your defense.

Unfortunately, not everyone is well-intentioned, occasionally, your considerate behavior may prove to aggravate your new neighbor.

Should you fail to observe any positive change even after attempting to communicate your concerns, it is time to consider the next course of action: invest in soundproofing materials to block out any superfluous noise from your neighbors.

blocking sound – the basics

To effectively reduce the noise from your neighbors, you must understand the fundamentals of how sound waves propagate.

The vibrational energy generated by the movement of an object, such as your neighbor’s vocal cords, footsteps, TVs, etc., is converted into sound waves that propagate through the air.

To reduce the noise from the adjacent unit, it is essential to find a way to impede the transmission of sound waves or, at the very least, diminish their intensity.

The optimal approach to this is to install materials that are effective in blocking sound physically. Additionally, sound-absorbing materials may not completely block noise but they can reduce the sound to a more comfortable level.

When you live with someone, they hear your sounds

The shared wall between you and your neighbor may be implicated in this matter, as sound from their television, conversations, or pets can easily pass through it, particularly if the wall is not adequately insulated. This likely accounts for the elevated level of noise you perceive.

The best course of action to reduce noise from your shared wall appears to be soundproofing. To determine the most effective and appropriate solution, it is essential to identify the source of the noise. If it is coming from a television or conversation, a straightforward solution may be adequate.

If the noise is causing extreme distress, it may be prudent to pursue a more advanced remedy.

When making decisions regarding rental property, it is essential to consider whether you are a tenant or the owner, as investing in lasting solutions would be ill-advised for a tenant and usually more costly.

It is suggested that additional investment is made to soundproof the wall properly, this would be a more effective cost-saving measure than having to repeatedly soundproof the wall.

Block Noise from Next Door Temporarily

Discover some effective and cost-efficient measures to attenuate noise transmission through common walls. These are also suitable for those with limited resources to invest in professional soundproofing techniques.

rearrange the furniture

It is worth noting that sound waves tend to be reduced in strength when they have to traverse multiple obstacles. As such, this is an effective method for soundproofing as the wall serves as the initial barrier.

If you reorganize the furniture and install a piece of furniture such as a cabinet or bookshelf against the wall, there will be a higher number of objects for the sound waves to pass through. Ensure the cabinet is fully stocked with items and the bookshelf is filled with books.

When setting up furniture, avoid positioning any seating or sleeping pieces against walls to minimize noise levels. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from placing items that are used frequently near walls. This will help to reduce any discomfort caused by sound reverberation.

Constructing a lounging or resting area adjacent to the common wall will not address this dilemma.

Paintings adorn the wall

If you cannot locate something substantial to use as a counterforce against this shared wall, try using a creative solution instead. You may even choose to do so once you have positioned any necessary furniture against the wall.

To give your space a truly distinctive look, consider selecting some of the finest pieces of artwork in your household and displaying them in frames for the wall. You could even hang a single statement piece that will add an extra layer of definition to the room. Be sure that it is a piece that will not leave the room feeling overly subdued.

This option may not be ideal, but it is one of the potential solutions. If you’re looking to make a change and maximize efficiency, this could be the best course of action.

Install Acoustic Wall Panels

Acoustic wall panels are specially-designed products meant to reduce noise levels by absorbing and dampening sound. Constructed with a wooden frame and covered with fabric such as silk or polyester, these panels can be customized according to the customer’s requirements.

Due to their strong resemblance to photographs, many individuals employ them as wall decorations.

It is easy to be taken in by the aesthetic appeal of soundproofing panels but remember: the purpose of the purchase is to reduce noise from your neighbors. Therefore, it is important to select a panel that is relatively thick, with a minimum of 2 inches, to ensure optimal sound dampening.

From a tenant’s perspective, this solution would be highly beneficial in resolving sound issues because the acoustic wall panels can easily be detached and taken with them when they transition to another dwelling.

install Acoustic Foam

Acoustic foam differs from acoustic panels in terms of both aesthetics and affordability. It may not be as aesthetically pleasing, yet it is more economical and straightforward to install.

These foams work by augmenting air resistance, resulting in a decrease in sound wave amplitude. While acoustic foam does not completely prohibit sound, it is still capable of reducing noise to a discernible level.

Burton Acoustix panels are an excellent product for soundproofing. These panels are 5 to 8 times denser than studio wedge foam, yet remain lightweight enough to be mounted with tape or blu tack. Moreover, these panels are aesthetically more pleasing than studio wedge foam.

Furthermore, it poses no risk of damage to surfaces and can be successfully affixed by anyone.

Learn how to block noise long-term

The previously discussed solutions are relatively straightforward and have the potential to create a substantial change. If you are the owner of the residence, however, you may wish to consider a more long-term answer. The solutions noted above should be considered temporary measures only.

For the homeowner, we have various alternatives available.

It would be cost-effective to invest more resources to solve the issue definitively, rather than incurring recurrent costs. Here are some more effective methods to address the issue.

Load with Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV)

The incorporation of Mass Loaded Vinyl, or MLV, is the key factor that explains why your car is significantly quieter than your residence. This specialized material, which usually arrives on a roll, is composed of vinyl and small metallic particulates. The vinyl provides the element with an element of suppleness, while the metal particles effectively reduce sound transmission.

Currently, Multi-Layer-Vibration (MLV) is becoming increasingly sought-after due to its ability to combat noise issues while remaining an eco-friendly option. Its applications span the range of residential soundproofing, from ceilings to walls, and even floors.

MLV is often available in plain black, which can be unappealing in certain settings. For those who value interior design, this can be an undesirable feature. To remedy this, one could consider hanging artwork or placing furniture along the wall.

It may be beneficial to further insulate the area by adding another layer of soundproof drywall.

It should be noted that the installation of MLV may cost more than putting up picture frames on the wall or rearranging existing furniture, yet it can be installed by oneself with the purchase of a roll. Here is the proper procedure for installation:

install an extra layer of drywall

The final solution we present is the most costly, but installing an extra layer of drywall is a reliable method to acoustically insulate your home. If you are already contemplating a house renovation, this could be a worthy investment.

Drywall, also known as plasterboard, sheetrock, or gypsum panel, is a construction material used for interior walls. Versatile in function, drywall is available in a range of varieties to suit its purpose.

If you are seeking to acoustically insulate your dwelling, the soundproofing version is recommended. However, traditional drywall can be effective as well.

Drywall has many advantages beyond soundproofing. Its durability is unparalleled, even having the capacity to resist fire. Should it be damaged, one can swiftly repair any damage caused by leaking pipes or badly drilled nails.

If you are interested in learning more about drywall and soundproofing, our article provides comprehensive coverage of the topic. Please follow the link provided for further information.

Reduce the Noise from Next Door by Finding Additional Ways

If you are not currently in a position to invest in soundproofing your house, but the noise from your neighbors is proving distressing, here are some alternative solutions.

Use White Noise Machines to make noise

White noise is an effective approach to blocking out extraneous noises. There are various white noise machines available in the market which play a series of sounds, at varied frequencies, all at the same time.

Buy White Noise Machines at Amazon

Should you be concerned that it sounds like yet another disruptive sound, there is no need to be alarmed. White noise machines generally emit sounds that resemble authentic audio environments, such as a forest during rainfall or the sound of a rolling ocean. Reflecting on this, does your neighbor’s noise become more bothersome when it rains? Most likely not.

Envision having a device that could perpetually generate the din of rainfall. A white noise machine is precisely capable of such a feat.

One advantage of this option is that the sound generated can effectively muffle the noise from your neighbor’s television or music, without disrupting their peace. The volume is only high enough for you to hear, and not loud enough to be heard beyond the wall.

It is unnecessary to feel guilt for reciprocating the same uncomfortable feelings that have been directed toward you.

White noise machines are readily accessible through outlets such as Amazon. Varying in style and cost, one can pick a white noise of their preference. With a bit of research, one can come across ones that carry a variety of sounds.

For those interested in learning more about white noise and its practical applications, this article may be of use.

Play the background sounds

If you are unable to purchase a white noise machine, you could consider streaming background noise on YouTube. Additionally, you may be able to find free royalty-free audio clips available for download online.

These audio recordings typically run for a considerable length of time before ceasing, making them a viable choice. If this option is not accessible to you, mainstream radio may be an appropriate substitute.

Using background sounds may not completely drown out your neighbor’s noise, but it can provide an alternate auditory focus. This could be especially beneficial if the noise generated by your neighbor is keeping you up at night.

Get Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs

At times, even playing ambient audio at a high volume may not be sufficient. For instance, when there is something that requires close listening. In such cases, noise-canceling headphones can be an invaluable asset.

These headphones come in a wide array of shades and models, and can be acquired from a plethora of outlets, unfortunately, this solution does come at a higher cost. However, you can anticipate a considerable lifespan if you invest.

Continuously wearing headphones at the home may not be as feasible as one might initially think.

Summary How To Block Noise From Neighbors